How to build my refugium?

[Neptune 555]

I want to build a refugium for my 75 gallon reef w/ sump. I have one mandarin fish 2 years old and I want to locate a mate for him. Before I find his mate... I need to increase my pod population in this reef.

Here is my dilemma: My sump has only 2 compartments (photo attached). On one side I have my water entering the sump flowing into a filter sock. In this same compartment I have my Euro Reef Skimmer and some Live Rock / rubble. I assume all the pods in this part of my sump get sucked up into the skimmer? Then on the other side of the sump is my return pump.

How can I add a refugium to this set up?

OR

Inside my 75 gallon tank could I add Chaeto directly to the tank to harbour a safe place for pods?

OR

I have a 10 gallon tank set up I could use to grow pods and then transfer them to the display tank weekly but seems to miss the benefit of a constant flow of PODS and the reduction on nitrate?

my budget is low on this project b/c I expect to upgrade to a 6 foot tank in the next 12 - 15 months.

Neptune

 

[Neptune 555]

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Pods go where the food is. Chato is just one spot they can hang on. So really if you want more pods, pull the sock.

 

[Neptune 555]

OK I want more pods.. so pull the sock... BUT as I only have one compartment for both my skimmer and my return... wouldn't the pods just get skimmed up and die? I was changing the sock.. and had a tiny influx of bubble algae and my skimmer stopped working... b/c the bubble algae jammed the skimmer intake?? In the end I had to put a very fine net on the skimmer intake and then manually remove all the bubble algae that was collecting.. FRUSTRATING.

Neptune

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

wouldn't the pods just get skimmed up and die?

no. They are like cockroaches. some rubble in the dt is also good. Dont compromise the integrity of the system to chase pods.
Ive also heard of folks poking holes in the sock to let extra food into the fuge.